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Have you made the time to set goals for your future self, say, in 10 years? A decade-long journey is equal to 5.25 million minutes in our everyday life. You have the chance to take care of your future self with every moment.

The Manulife Asia Care Survey 2024 shows how people across Asia perceive their current and future physical, mental, and financial well-being, and how Manulife can be their partner for progress. Manulife surveyed more than 1,000 Singapore respondents in January 2024.

Singapore respondents have high aspirations for their future physical, mental, and financial well-being but they are unsure if they will achieve  their desired levels of  well-being.

They feel most unprepared for their 'financial' well-being in ten years, with 15 points' difference between their 'desired' and 'expected' future well-being.

Singapore respondents also rank mental well-being as the most important and financial well-being as the least important. In fact, mental well-being, physical health, and future health indicators are equally important, as mental health can also serve as a sign for future physical ailments.

Let's take a deeper look at what challenges they are facing:

Protecting your health is protecting your wealth.

Having good physical and mental health can positively impact one's financial health. It can help prevent chronic illnesses, reducing the need for costly medical treatments and medications. This can result in lower healthcare expenses and less disruption to financial goals. Similarly, knowing that you are financially prepared for the future will give you a peace of mind.

People in their 40s have the least confidence in their physical and mental well-being

When rating their future well-being in 10 years, the optimism decreases with age in terms of both physical and mental well-being. This reflects that Singapore respondents are less confident in their quality of life as they get older.

Age

Physical

(score out of 100)

Mental

(score out of 100)

25-29

73

74

30-39

71

72

40-49

66

69

50-60

69

71

Cancer and stress worry Singapore respondents the most

Physical illnesses

43% Cancer

38% Heart disease

32% Diabetes

34% Stroke

21% Liver diseases

20% Overweight

20% Flu and pneumonia

19% Chronic lower respiratory disease

15% Renal disease

Mental illnesses

41% Stress

32% Anxiety

29% Sleep disorders

29% Depression

23% Loneliness

23% Cognitive impairment

The younger generation (aged 25-29) have more concerns about physical and mental conditions such as liver diseases, flu and pneumonia, overweight, stress and anxiety.

Singapore respondents aged 40-60 tend to be more worried about diabetes (aged 40-49), heart disease, stroke and cancer. Addressing these age groups' health needs and concerns  is critical to improve and support their future well-being. 

What can I do?

For example, stomach issues, muscular-skeletal, and skin complaints are often suffered by people who have been under prolonged stress. Dealing with anxiety at the outset could help prevent the onset of these conditions.

…and get a good night's sleep

Understanding the role of sleep in maintaining your health can help you prioritise a good night's rest. This will help you today, tomorrow and long into the future. 

But remember to maintain adequate insurance cover.

Over 64% of respondents agree that having sufficient insurance coverages can help them achieve their desired level of physical and mental well-being in the future. 

Suitable health checks and medical services are people's top insurance policy need.

38%

Seeks recommendations on suitable health checks and medical services suitable for their health situations or life stages.

37%

Wants regular insurance policy review.

 

28%

Is keen to learn about different ways to monitor their health.

 

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